Windows 8 – Keep or Return?

 

Wesley Chapel, Florida  (high 77, low 57) rain predicted

I bought my new Samsung laptop a few weeks ago. It came with the new Windows 8 operating system and I decided since our friend Rick used and liked it, I would probably be happy with it.  What I didn’t remember, is that Rick is a geek and I’m not.  Windows 8 is a challenge!

I knew there would be a learning curve to Windows 8, and that was expected, but the more I used it the more I disliked it. 

On top of that, my new laptop was running extremely slow. That’s a bad combination and I was ready to return my new laptop.  I had even gotten to the point where I “refreshed” the computer in preparation for returning it to the store.  It was so darn slow, that it wasn’t even usable.

 

But….

I decided to check and see if any of the programs I had installed were causing the speed problems.  It turns out I had accidently installed a lot of crap when I installed a few programs and apps.  Once I removed the recent installs, it started running normally again.

The next step was adjusting to Windows 8.  It was certainly easier to learn to use Windows 8 with a properly operating computer.

 

Then….

I adjusted to Windows 8, and I have pretty much figured out how get it to navigate through the confusing screens.  That darn missing start button is still a bit of a nuisance, but I’m adjusting!  I’m sure there is a lot about Windows 8 that I’m missing.  Rick mentioned he will probably post some tips eventually, so I’m sure I’ll learn a lot then. 

The first time I started to re-install my Streets and Trips program, on my new laptop, I kept getting an error message.  I thought it just wasn’t compatible with the new operating system.  In the meantime, my laptop went through some updates and I decided to give Streets and Trips another try…..halleluiah, it installed properly!

Now, if I can only get my VMSPC program to install.  It is the program I use to keep an eye on what’s happening in our diesel engine while we’re traveling.  I haven’t taken the time to attempt to install this program, but need to do so before we leave in 2 weeks.

 

So, as far as my new Samsung Laptop, it is one of the few around that has the non glare matte screen, and that’s why I chose it.  I could have done without Windows 8, but it’s getting increasingly more difficult to find computers with Windows 7.   I’m happy with my new $499 laptop and I’m happy with Windows 8.   It’s not going back to Sam’s club and I have a 4 year extended warranty  I’m buying the Carbonite program so that if/when I have another computer failure, I’ll have all my pictures backed up.  (don’t ask)

 

Today, we are going to tour the new gym we joined.  It’s part of the Wesley Chapel hospital and is a brand new 55,000 square foot facility.  We joined it sight unseen, with just some pictures and diagrams.  We’re excited to actually see it in person. 

Yesterday, Saturday, turned out to be a beautiful day.  It was warm and sunny all day and everyone in the park spent most of the day outside.  Baxter even got to go for a ride in his stroller.

It’s very foggy this morning, but hopefully it will burn off and we’ll see the sun before the predicted rain arrives.